When 41-year-old first responder and father of two Ryan Gallagher of Burlington, Ont., set out to run 21 half-marathons in 21 consecutive days, the goal wasn’t to set a record. The goal was to raise $21,000 for Pathstone Mental Health, supporting children and youth in the Niagara region. By the end of the challenge, on Oct. 11, he’d done far more than that, completing every kilometre and raising more than $72,000.
Running for a cause
Gallagher’s motivation for the 21/21 challenge came from personal experience. After losing his father suddenly at 16, he struggled with the impact for years without understanding the toll on his mental health. Alcohol became his way to cope. Now sober for more than 800 days, Gallagher says the experience has changed his life and his ability to show up for his family.
As a first responder, he’s seen the need for mental health awareness firsthand. He hopes the challenge helps kids understand its importance, encourages them to ask for help when they need it and reminds them that hope and support are always within reach.
Beyond the miles
The runs required a tough mindset, as well as strong endurance. “In the months leading up, I let every ache and pain consume my mind,” Gallagher wrote on Instagram. “I knew that had to change, so I stopped giving pain all the attention and started accepting it, instead.”
Each day brought its own lesson—running solo, pushing through humidity, dealing with injury or leaning on community support. When he nearly quit after day 18, his wife, Sarah, reminded him of why he started. “She said, ‘Okay, call Pathstone tomorrow and tell them it’s over on day 19… You came all this way to stop?” he said. “Harsh and loving all at once—exactly what I needed.”
A community effort
Local runners joined him along the route, while schools and families followed online and donations poured in. Gallagher’s efforts inspired a region-wide movement for youth mental health. He finished strong, and even managed to mow the lawn and hang Halloween decorations the next day.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step, and you certainly don’t need to do a challenge like this. You just need to start,” Gallagher shares. The fundraising page remains open, with all proceeds supporting Pathstone’s counselling services, outreach and programs for children and families.
To learn more about Pathstone Mental Health, click here. To donate, head here.
